The Saltillo Jr. Women’s Club (SJWC) is excited to host our 3rd Annual Donut Dash in Saltillo, Mississippi on Saturday, April 18, 2026. This fun community race is more than just a run. It is one of our most important fundraisers supporting two programs that directly serve children in the Saltillo and Guntown school systems.
The first program, Blessing Bags, provides weekend food for students who may not have reliable meals when school is not in session. Each week, SJWC volunteers pack backpacks with kid friendly, nonperishable foods including breakfast items, lunches, and snacks that can easily be prepared without adult assistance.
Currently, 90 local children receive Blessing Bags every week, and that number continues to fluctuate as families face rising costs and economic challenges. During school breaks, our club also sends home additional food bags to help bridge the gap when school meals are unavailable. The Blessing Bags program costs approximately $1,850 per month, or about $21 per child, to operate.
In addition to food support, SJWC also organizes the Shining Stars program, which helps ensure local children experience the joy and dignity of Christmas. Through this program, each child receives essential clothing including three shirts, three pairs of pants, a jacket or hoodie, underwear, socks, and a new pair of shoes, along with a toiletry bag.
We also include a special wishlist item valued at $50, allowing each child to receive a toy or gift that brings excitement and joy during the holiday season. Sponsors are asked to contribute $200 to sponsor a Shining Star, although the true cost has risen beyond that amount.
For both programs, students are carefully identified by school teachers and counselors, ensuring that families receive help while maintaining their privacy and dignity.
Our hope is that the Donut Dash continues to grow each year, allowing us not only to fully fund these programs but to expand them even further. With increased community support, we hope to provide year round assistance with food and clothing to students and families in need throughout our community.
Every step taken at the Donut Dash helps support a child right here at home.